WINDSOR, VT – Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center, a nonprofit community hospital, has entered into a partnership with Springfield Net Metering (the solar arm of HB Energy Solutions) and Green Mountain Power in a new endeavor that will result in financial savings for the Hospital. A portion of Mt. Ascutney Hospital’s electricity will be produced by solar panels owned and managed by Springfield Net Metering. The solar panels are connected to the Green Mountain Power electrical grid, where the energy created is metered.

The Net Metering partnership allows Mt. Ascutney Hospital to reduce their energy consumption. The project further strengthens the Hospital’s work with Vermont’s Energy Leadership Challenge and aligns with the Healthier Hospital Initiative, which gives healthcare organizations the guidance and support they need to help improve environmental health and sustainability in the health care sector.

On October 26th, a newly built solar energy production facility was installed at HB Energy’s headquarters in Springfield, Vermont. Tom Hernon, owner of HB Energy, explained that a collective goal of the project is to show the local community how a small-scale energy solution can be built with minimal environmental impact and substantial local benefit.

"Not only will the hospital realize savings in energy costs, but they will also have a fixed energy expense- free from the volatility and fluctuation of the market," explained Hernon. "I believe it is the role of our company to serve as a bridge from today's traditional fuels to the renewable energy of tomorrow, such as solar power."

CEO of Mt. Ascutney Hospital, Kevin W. Donovan, explained that in addition to financial savings the Hospital prioritizes energy conservation. “Hospital energy use is high due to the extensive reliance on technology, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and computer systems, and we are looking forward to taking the steps necessary to achieve our sustainability goals.”

Greg Heaton of Green Mountain Power worked closely with Tom and Brian to coordinate the grid-tied aspects of the project. “Green Mountain Power is committed to developing and supporting renewable energy,” stated Heaton. “We are excited to help HB bring this electricity online.”

About Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center

Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center is a recipient of the national and prestigious Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service, one of the most esteemed awards in healthcare. Founded in 1933, Mt. Ascutney Hospital is a critical access hospital in Windsor, VT and features 25 inpatient, medical-surgical beds, a renowned,10-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit and a 25-bed, 5-star award-winning Skilled Nursing Facility. For more information visit http://www.mtascutneyhospital.org/.

About HB Energy

HB Energy Solutions is a locally owned and operated full service energy company. The company sells conventional fuel oil and propane equipment as well as alternative energy products such as wood pellets and solar hot water and photovoltaic equipment. HB Energy's owners are readily available to their customers for any questions or concerns they may have. Both Tom and Doug are active in their local communities. HB Energy Solutions is also a USA Solar Store- a buying coop of independent solar contractors and installers. We have licensed electricians on staff to complete your installation without having to hire any other subcontractors. This allows us to complete the entire installation on time and on budget. For more information visit http://www.hbenergy.com.

About Green Mountain Power

Green Mountain Power serves over 450,000 Vermonters and is devoted to supporting and incorporating new and innovative ways to create and distribute electricity that are not only affordable, but clean; to not only serving our customers, but listening to them when there are issues. GMP Solar Power is available to both residential and commercial customers and helps keep fossil fuels off the grid and adds another clean source to GMP’s mix of renewables. For more information visit http://www.greenmountainpower.com.